The press-stud is stamped with the letter “P.” The steel pommel bears a stamp that looks like a capital “R” overlaid on another letter and a further partial stamp that may be an inspection stamp. The grips show minor use marks and are stamped with the War Department Broad Arrow mark and the number 500. The wrap around wooden grips are in good condition and are held tightly in place by two screws, one of which bears a Broad Arrow stamp. The ricasso retains some of its original blueing and is stamped with Radcliffe’s wartime dispersal code, “N187.” The obverse ricasso bears a circular punch mark. The blade has scratches and minor marks consistent with use. The blade is in good condition and has been service sharpened. The 203mm clip-point Bowie blade has a single edge and long single fuller below the rounded spine. This bayonet is one of only 75,000 made by Radcliffe. Production of the No.5 bayonet began in March 1944, and finished in December 1947. Despite its initial purpose, the No.5 carbine saw most of its service in post war colonial conflicts such as the Malayan Emergency, earning it the nickname “Jungle Carbine.” The rifle had a shorter barrel and was lighter in weight, purposely made for airborne troops in the European theatre of World War II. Rare Number 5 Mark II bayonet (Mk 1 bayonets had only a single screw holding the wooden grips in place), for the No.5 Mk 1 Lee Enfield.
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